Should I Get a Breast Reduction and Lift? (photo)

I am 21 years old and 5"2. I weigh 115 lbs., and my breast size is 32DDD. They are natural, but I don't know if my breasts are saggy or just the natural shape that comes with big breasts of if big breasts just constitutes sagginess. I want to obtain the "ideal breast shape" for my self esteem, so I am considering a breast reduction to a 32D (34C) and a lift, but I am worried about scarring and realistic results versus unachievable expectations. What should I do?

Doctor Answers 12

Should I Get a Breast Reduction and Lift?

July 26th, 2014

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Thank you for the question and pictures. Based on your description, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. “Official” recommendations of course would necessitate in-person consultation.

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.

Timing of the operation will depend on the patient's life circumstances. Sometimes breast reduction surgery is covered through health insurance. The best way to obtain insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery involves some “hoops” to jump through. The more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance “authorization” for the procedure.

This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization.

When the time is right, seek consultation with well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.

Should I Get a Breast Reduction and Lift?

January 3rd, 2013

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"Should I Get a Breast Reduction and Lift?" Best to be seen IN PERSON by boarded PSs in your city. In my opinion based only on the posted photos you need a reduction/lift procedure. But there will/could be scars.

Breast reduction or not?

January 2nd, 2013

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I appreciate your question. All breast reductions should provide a lift at the same time. Your ideal breast shape must come at the expense of scarring. I would meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to examine the potential results. However, if you are not having clinical problems of shoulder or neck pain I would wait a few years. You may be disappointed with the scars...

Breast Reduction Pictures

32 DDD and breast reduction vs lift

January 2nd, 2013

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Thank you for your question and photos. Heavy breasts have more of a tendency to sag, as the weight of the breast tissue usually stretches the cooper's ligaments that give the breast its natural shape. The skin itself is elastic and will do whatever is below it wants to do. If the size of your breasts is bothering you, then I would consider a breast reduction, which also includes a breast lift to give them a more natural shape. A breast lift alone will reduce the size of the breasts a small amount, some patients of mine have said they were happy with this result. In regards to the scarring, you should discuss this with a board certified plastic surgeon to better understand what happens when incisions are not made to improve the shape fo the breasts. In addition, due to your age I would discuss the future ramifications of a breast reduction/lift (e.g. the ability to breast feed, further change in size from hormonal influences). I hope this helps, and good luck in your endeavors.

Breast reduction

January 2nd, 2013

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It looks like you are a good candidate for lift or reduction. The photos of your wish results look like from an augmentation. You will more than likely require either a lollipop type closure or aan Anchor type closure.

Breast Reduction

January 2nd, 2013

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Based on your pictures, it appears that you would benefit from a breast reduction. As part of this surgery, a lift would be performed as well. Please understand that traditional mastopexy (lollipop and anchor) incisions will be required to achieve the best shape. So if you are looking for a limited incision lift or crescent lift, you will not get anywhere close to the shape you are looking for.

Reduction For Petite Patient With Large Breasts

January 2nd, 2013

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From your photos, it certainly appears that you are a good candidate for a reduction which would include lifting your breasts as well. You must, however, be willing to accept some scarring. Ask to speak to other patients who have had reductions. In my experience they are among my happiest patients.

Breast reduction/lift will result in scars but also improved shape

January 1st, 2013

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Kaydee2014: Breast reduction is a trade off: scars for improved shape, higher, smaller nipple-areolar complexes, better definition between your chest and abdomen. Your ideal pics represent the results of a simpler procedure, i.e. breast aug where the scars are imperceptible. So be careful of comparing apples with oranges. Given your age, ht, wt and breast excess volume, I think you would have a great result, once you team up with a PS who can manage your expectations. One other consideration: large busted women who develop early and amply may experience "regrowth" after pregnancy and/or menopause. Shouldn't be an impediment to you proceeding because the extent of regrowth and droop will never be as significant. good luck.

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